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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who stares at Omakayas as she tends the fire?

2. Who prepares the herbs to place on Pinch's foot?

3. Who sets the seat of his pants on fire?

4. What color beads does Ten Snow use on the item for her husband?

5. Who is Fishtail's wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Nokomis' advice to Omakayas regarding the bears?

2. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

3. What does Deydey do with the shop owner to earn a bit of money and some food for the family?

4. What is Omakayas' experience with the bear cubs when she is off on her own?

5. What preparations do Mama and Nokomis make for the family's food to get them through the winter?

6. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

7. What does the mention of the cold weather being sudden and particularly harsh foreshadow?

8. How does the author explore the relationship between whites and natives in this section?

9. Which two characters die as a result of the smallpox outbreak?

10. How does Ten Snow help Omakayas get started in beadwork and what does Omakayas make?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of the smallpox epidemic that infiltrates the village. What does it represent for the Ojibwa Indians? What does the smallpox really represent in the story?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of responsibility. Identify at least two instances about responsibility in the book and then cite examples to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 966 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample